What Role Does Socrates Play In The Apology

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The Apology presents many forms of arguments that can be discussed and countered in substantial ways. The dialogue begins with Socrates already in trial and charged for a crime in impiety. Socrates was considered a very wise man according to the Oracle of Delphi. However, Socrates established himself as an individual who knows nothing. During the trial, he counters their judgement professionally without any harsh accusations. For example, he states to the jury that only he wishes them to hear his words and to provide a defense. He states to the jury he would like to be prosecuted by his account and not any other standards. He also states his current age and with that aspect helps the jury to relieve his actions, however that wasn’t the case. Meletus was an antagonist characters in the dialogue whom was close to Socrates. The principal component for the dialogue is when Meletus accused Socrates for the corruption of the youth and Impiety. Socrates was also accused of not accepting the Greek gods or a higher divine power and being an atheist. He was also indicted for creating new gods and spiritual objects. According to the dialogue, Meletes’s role against Socrates was to prove him guilty of his crimes. However, Socrates provides a serious defense to show the gap in intelligence between his accusers and himself. He …show more content…
The Oracle of Delphi stated he was a wise man. However, Socrates exhibits’ active irony and humor throughout the dialogue. Since Socrates was seventy at the time, he accepted the death penalty because his time was soon coming to an end. Socrates’s farewell words stated that vengeance will come upon the individual who voted against him. He strongly believed that there was one higher power, but according to the vote most people were against him and his actions. The corrupted Athenian government showed us that having a disbelief in a philosophy can lead to larger

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